State can't say why king not jailed

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) could not give details as to why AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo remains at liberty after failing to meet an appeal deadline, The Star reported on Wednesday (10/12/2014).

"We are still dealing with the matter," NPA spokesman Nathi Mncube told the daily.

"We are unable to divulge any details at this point.

"It will be resolved soon."

In 2009 Dalindyebo was convicted of crimes including culpable homicide, arson and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and sentenced to an effective 15 years in jail.

Granted leave to appeal, Dalindyebo failed to submit appeal papers with the Supreme Court of Appeal by the due date in August this year.

According to the report, the State had apparently not filed an application for cancellation of his bail and a warrant of arrest.

The king's recently-appointed attorney Wesley Hayes said he would make an application for condonation of late filing of appeal. - Sapa